Cut’em or Keep’em Week 5: Pickens Poised to Break Out with New QB

Now that the season is heading into Week 5, most of the potential breakouts or fakeouts have been identified. We’re going to transition into an article designed to help fantasy managers with roster decisions as buy weeks come up and the push for the fantasy playoffs continue.

Keep Him

Josh Reynolds (DET)

The Lions didn’t have Amon-Ra St. Brown or D.J. Chark last week because of injury, which led fantasy managers to scoop up Reynolds. He delivered seven receptions for 81 yards and a score.

The Lions have had to be a pass-heavy team so far this season because they’ve fallen behind in most games. Reynolds has shown he can produce when called upon. Hold onto him in case one of the other wide receivers takes more time to return to the field.

Embed from Getty Images

Isaiah McKenzie (BUF)

McKenzie suffered a concussion in Week 4 but he should still be kept on rosters. Jamison Crowder suffered a broken ankle and is out indefinitely, which makes McKenzie the unquestioned slot receiver in the high-powered Bills offense.

McKenzie had five targets in Week 4 with a touchdown. When healthy expect him to be a steady contributor with Josh Allen as his quarterback.

George Pickens (PIT)

The rookie receiver led the team with eight targets in Week 4, which was a 30 percent target share. Pickens benefited from Pickett taking over at quarterback.

Pickens finished the week third in air yards with 156. The air yard total typically results in big plays so Pickens could be well on his way to solid production. Keep him on rosters or pick him up off the waiver wire if he’s there. A breakout could be coming.

Cut Him

Greg Dortch (ARI)

Dortch had been a welcome surprise for fantasy managers through the first three weeks of the season but it all came crashing down in Week 4.

After playing 81 percent of the snaps in Week 3 with a 15 percent target share, Dortch played only 36 percent of the snaps and received one target in last week’s game against Carolina.

Rondale Moore’s return has dampened Dortch and his situation potentially worsens with Deandre Hopkins’ return looming in the next couple of weeks. Fantasy managers looking to stash upside on their benches should feel free to let Dortch hit the waiver wire.

Embed from Getty Images

Chase Claypool (PIT)

For the few managers who still had Claypool on their rosters, it’s officially time to cut bait. The receiver has 11 receptions for 79 yards on 20 targets this season.

Claypool has been the fourth receiving option in the Steelers’ inept passing offense with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback. Now, the offense shifts to rookie Kenny Pickett and I don’t see things getting better for Claypool. George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and Pat Friermuth are the pass catchers to own.

There are several options on waiver wires that will be better than Claypool rest of the season.

Allen Robinson (LAR)

Fantasy managers have been waiting for Allen Robinson to turn the corner and after a terrible showing on Monday Night Football against the 49ers, I’m Ok with letting Robinson hit the waiver wire.

Robinson has played 96 percent of the snaps through the first four games and has produced a total of 24.5 PPR points, according to FantasyPros. Robinson scored 15 of those points in Week 2 after head coach Sean McVay mentioned several times leading up to that game that Robinson would be more involved.

Matthew Stafford doesn’t seem interested in throwing to Robinson and the receiver seems like he can’t get open. The Rams have big problems on the offensive line, which doesn’t help Robinson. Van Jefferson’s return and a possible Odell Beckham Jr. return later this season could be the final nails in Robinson’s coffin. I understand holding out for one more week but if he has a big game, try to sell him. If he doesn’t, let him go.

ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.